BRADLEY COUNTY, Ark. — Bradley County voters can now get a detailed look at the candidates and issues expected to appear on their ballots in the Nov. 3 election, with races ranging from governor and U.S. Senate to county judge and several municipal offices.
The official Bradley County ballot proof includes 15 different ballot styles, reflecting differences in municipalities, precincts and State House districts. The document is marked “PROOF,” so the information below reflects the ballot as it appears in the current proof provided to Saline River News.
Governor and statewide offices
At the top of the state ticket, three candidates are seeking the office of Governor of Arkansas: Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Republican; Fred Love, Democrat; and Colt Shelby, Libertarian.
For Lieutenant Governor, the ballot lists Leslie Rutledge, Republican, and Michael Kalagias, Libertarian.
Three candidates are listed for Secretary of State: Kim Hammer, Republican; Michael Pakko, Libertarian; and Kelly Grappe, Democrat.
Tim Griffin, Republican, is the only candidate individually listed for Attorney General. John Thurston, Republican, is the only candidate listed for State Treasurer, while Dennis Milligan, Republican, is the only candidate listed for Auditor of State.
For Commissioner of State Lands, voters will choose between Christopher Olson, Libertarian, and Cole Jester, Republican.
U.S. Senate and Congress
Three candidates appear in the U.S. Senate race: Hallie Shoffner, Democrat; Tom Cotton, Republican; and Jeff Wadlin, Libertarian.
Bradley County is part of U.S. Congressional District 4, where the ballot lists Bruce Westerman, Republican, and James “Rus” Russell III, Democrat.
Four statewide issues
Bradley County voters will also be asked to decide four statewide ballot issues referred to voters by the Arkansas General Assembly.
Issue No. 1, known as the “Citizens Only Voting Amendment,” would amend the Arkansas Constitution to provide that only a United States citizen who meets the qualifications of an elector under the Arkansas Constitution may vote in an election in the state.
Issue No. 2 concerns the right to keep and bear arms. The proposed constitutional amendment states that Arkansas citizens have the right to keep and bear arms for common defense, lawful hunting and recreational use, and other lawful purposes. The language specifically includes ammunition, firearm accessories and firearm components and describes the right as natural, fundamental and individual.
Issue No. 3 concerns economic development districts. The proposal would authorize the Arkansas General Assembly to provide for the creation of economic development districts within cities, counties or cooperative areas to promote economic development within those districts.
Issue No. 4 concerns the Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Pollution Abatement Facilities Financing Act of 2025. It would authorize the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to issue up to $500 million in general obligation bonds for projects involving water, waste disposal, water pollution control, drainage, irrigation, flood control, wetlands and aquatic resources.
No more than $165 million of the total could be issued to finance or refinance the development of irrigation facilities. The proposal also states that no more than $60 million could be issued during any two-year period beginning July 1 of each odd-numbered year without prior approval from the General Assembly. The bonds would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Arkansas.
Special State Senate District 1 election
Bradley County voters will also participate in a special election to fill a vacancy in State Senate District 1.
The candidates are Tomeka Butler, Democrat, and Harrell Wilson, Republican.
Bradley County split between two State House districts
The ballot proof shows Bradley County divided between State Representative Districts 94 and 96, meaning the State House race a voter sees will depend on where he or she lives.
In District 94, John Kyle Day, Republican, is the only candidate individually listed for State Representative.
In District 96, Sonia E. Barker, Republican, is the only candidate individually listed.
Pritt, Wesson face off for Bradley County Judge
One of the primary countywide local contests is for Bradley County Judge, where Andrew C. Pritt, Democrat, and Wayne Wesson, Republican, are seeking the office.
Cindy Wagnon, Republican, is the only candidate individually listed for Bradley County Circuit Clerk.
The ballot also contains an “Unopposed Candidates” selection. The ballot states that marking that choice casts a vote for all unopposed candidates who are not listed elsewhere on that particular ballot.
Mayor races in Warren, Banks and Hermitage
Municipal races vary according to a voter’s residence.
Gregg Reep, Independent, is the only candidate for Mayor of Warren.
In the City of Banks, Keeton Hudson, Independent, is the only candidate for mayor.
The City of Hermitage has a contested mayoral election. Three candidates, all listed as independents, are seeking the office: Matthew Cathey, Karla Ramos and Clare Mae Ortiz.
Ballots differ across Bradley County
Because of those differences, not every Bradley County voter will see an identical ballot. State House districts and municipal races in particular depend on a voter’s residence.
Saline River News has included the complete 30-page Bradley County ballot proof below so readers can review the candidates, races and statewide issues expected to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
